(1477-1519) Through marriage, the Emperor Maximilian took control of the low countries

1500s - 1800s

(1519) Spain's King Charles, eventually known as the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, came to power

(1556) Ferdinand I, brother of King Charles and living in Vienna, was declared ruler of Austria, Hungary and other surrounding lands, thus extending the Habsburg control and territories. King Charles' son, Phillip II, was given the remaining Spanish holdings